Dog shows have a rich and fascinating history in the United States dating as far back as 1877. In the formative years of competitive dog breeding, becoming a dog handler was a rather straight-forward endeavor. Prior to the late 1920s, the majority of show handlers had come from long-time (sometimes life-long) careers as groomers or assistants at large, commercial kennels specializing in one or two breeds. The practice of breeding dogs began to transition away from large-scale breeding operations and toward hobby breeding later in the 20th century. The path to becoming a show handler became less rigidly defined.
Consider an Apprenticeship
There are no formal training or licensing requirements for showing dogs. Doing it successfully still requires an intensive, working knowledge of the care, grooming, breed standards, health and temperament of a particular breed. Information on these topics is more easily accessible than ever thanks to the internet. But true expertise in handling requires years and years of hands-on experience working with your breed of choice.
Several professional organizations, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) sponsor Junior Showmanship programs for youth interested in learning the art of the show. Young adults from age 9-18 are encouraged to take the first step of joining the program through their local dog club. There they they can immerse themselves in learning the appropriate dress, mannerisms and best practices for handling through weekly classes and trials. At competition time, mastery of fundamentals like pace and breed-appropriate posing on the part of the junior handler is judged, rather than the adherence of the dog to breed standard.
Go Your Own Way
Although it is, by and large, considered most advantageous to complete at least some period of apprenticeship prior to attempting to show dogs professionally, there are some experienced dog owners and obedience trainers who forego a more structured education and jump headfirst into competitive showing own their own.
While this might appear to some as taking the ‘easy’ route, it may actually be considerably more work intensive. In these instances, the potential handler must find alternate ways to supplement the seemingly esoteric knowledge of judges’ preferences, show culture and competitors that would be more readily accessible to someone in a formally mentored relationship.
Whether you decide to entering the ring for the first time under the guidance and tutelage of a more experienced professional handler, or strike out solely on your own, there are a few steps that are crucial to seeing success at judging.
Know your dog
This entails learning everything about the dogs you will be showing, both as a breed and on an individual level. Becoming intimately versed in your dog’s’ disposition, strengths, health and grooming needs lays the necessary foundation for showing the animal in the most favorable light possible.
Network, network, network
In few places does the phrase, “Your reputation precedes you,” carry more truth and weight than in the world of professional dog showing. Establishing quality connections with well-regarded veterinarians, travel providers, peers and show coordinators can generate increased trust and favorable buzz, even occasionally resulting in client referrals.
Attend shows, even if you’re not showing
It’s one thing to see the rules and breed standards laid out in black and white. And quite another to see how they play out in real life. There is no better learning opportunity than watching the process competition from start to finish. It’s good to observe what practices help champion dogs present their best showing at different venues.
Become well-versed in the business
A huge part of crafting a long-term, viable career as a dog handler is developing a reputation for professionalism. This includes establishing business practices that are transparent, consistent and above-board. Handling is like any other successful business. Professional dog handlers are expected to be aware of and accountable to the prescribed ethics of the sport. They should also understand facets like billing, contracts, tax documentation and public relations. Here again, consulting with established professionals and registry organizations offers a wealth of insight.
